Hi
So my new novel, the ghost story, is proceeding well. I’m about two-thirds or more through and should have it complete, all things being equal, by the time I return to work mid next week. I’ve also done some research on traditional publishing and literary agents so when January is done and most open for submissions again I shall pursue that for the third novel while simultaneously getting the ghost story manuscript assessed and edited.
So that’s all good! 🙂 But possibly the most important resolution I made was to get balance back in my blogging life. While I love it, when also juggling a ridiculously busy job characterised by very long hours, the blogging becomes like a work extension rather than a joy. So to re-balance that I’ve made a decision – I shall only schedule poems for one every three days for the next few months at least (as work will be particularly busy in the first half of 2014). I will still try to drop in to WordPress and keep up with other blogs each day, but if I don’t get here every day it won’t seem so odd if I’m not around (mind you, for all I know none of you may notice anyway, LOL, but I’m just letting you know in case you do!!)
So, I will be around,and I’ll probably sometimes just write a poem on a day one isn’t scheduled and post it, and I’ll keep up with mindlovemisery’s Sunday prompts, but overall I’ll be around less for the next few months. I’ve read a few blog posts about people considering whether to keep on with their blogs and their writing in 2014 lately. I fully intend to do so but to make it more balanced.
That way the joy in doing it and networking with you all should return in full force! 🙂
So, no poem is scheduled for tomorrow, so unless the spirit moves me (which is unlikely as I’m madly obsessed with writing my novel right now) you’ll see the next poem posted in three days time. Hope you still drop in to read the poems, even if they aren’t as regular/frequent. 🙂 🙂
Cheers
Helen V
helenvalentina 
Hi Helen great to hear the novel is ‘racing’ along. You must be feeling happy about that progress. Hope you get to the end before work invades your life again. take care.
Thanks Michael – I think I will manage it as long as my back doesn’t get bad again. Fingers crossed!! 🙂 🙂
Just take those regular rests Helen you’ll get there. Great news I have Scandal!!!!!!
Excellent, all you need now is Leverage and Season 3 of Luther. 🙂 🙂
Got them too. Shhhhhhhhhhhhh
My novel… no wait, not writing one, lol. Good to hear you’re finding a balance! 😀
Thanks Bradley!! 🙂 🙂
We would definitely notice, Helen! Best of luck on completing your novel. I am looking at completing mine by the end of the month (crossing my fingers for January 25th or 26th!).
Yay, congratulations, make sure to let us know when it is released!! 🙂 🙂
Oh, you can count on it!
I am so excited about your novel Helen and so happy to hear it is going well =) I am also happy and honored to hear you will continue with the prompts because I love having you and look forward to your entries every week. Sending you healing and positive vibes =)
Thanks so much – couldn’t miss your prompts dear friend, they are a highlight of my week! 🙂 🙂
Awww that is so sweet Helen (hugs)
I think you have made a good decision. Best wishes
Thanks John, it feels like the right decision for the moment anyway. 🙂
So excited about your next novel!! My friend is planning on buying The Seed after seeing it on my table. Yay!! I will miss your comments, but I fully understand if you do not make it by as often. Please know, though, that I will notice and you will be missed. 🙂 I hope that sounds right.
Thanks dear Sis – I still hope to get to other blogs most days over my breakfast, but by reducing the amount I post I remove some of the expectation I will be there every day regardless of what’s going on in my life. 🙂 And thank you for ‘promoting’ my novel o your friend, so kind of you!! 🙂 🙂
lol…I am a horrible friend actually…I am making her buy it instead of borrow it. lolol Wanted to make sure you get your due, my sweet friend!!! Oh, maybe I am a good friend half the time then. 🙂
🙂
Balances are required – sometimes we need the scales to return to a even level instead of having them tipped too much one side. Take Care – good luck with the book. The readers will always be here. 🙂
Thanks so much!! 🙂 🙂
Good luck with the book Helen! and I think you are making the right decision for you! Your absence will be definitely noticed though! never doubt that.
Thanks so much Elaine, I will still be around but not necessarily every day for a while! 🙂 🙂
Hi Helen,
Clearly you have the going forward path well mapped out and I need to acknowledge you for that. If blogging seems to be a drag and an extension of your long work hours, what is it that makes you persist? Why not follow your passion and see where that leads you?
Have an empowered 2014.
Shakti
Thanks Shakti – I will still connect with the blog and do my writing but I have major work commitments looming so it’s all about balance. Just making the decision to get that into balance better has been enormously helpful and empowering! 🙂 🙂
Your creativity amazes me! The poems you produce and novel writing at the same time, profoundly magical.
Thank you! :). 🙂